In retrospect, the debate over who would win the American League MVP award was more contested than the actual outcome.

It was a battle between the stat gurus and their emphasis on sabermetics and the old-school philosophy that mainstream categories still matter. The latter were ultimately vindicated when the Baseball Writers’ Association of America announced Detroit third baseman Miguel Cabrera won the AL MVP on Thursday. Cabrera took 22 of the 28 first-place votes, beating Angels outfielder Mike Trout in a landslide (362 points to 281 points).

Trout was the best all-around player in the AL in 2012. The rookie phenom’s dazzling catches in the outfield and nearly unstoppable speed on the base paths complemented a sweet stroke that provided the perfect blend in hitting for power and average.